Grandpa Wood

 

Today, we lost. We lost someone from whom the world had gained so very much. Someone who truly made this earth a better place. Who set examples for how to live life in a way that is respectful and true to one's own self. Matt's Grandpa Wood was a man of tremendous measure... a man who the world was far brighter and bigger for having had in it.

Today we celebrate the life of a man who helped create so many other lives. Who brought happiness and love and warmth wherever he went. And who did so in one of the most genuine ways I have ever been witness to. Many people who had endured the trials that he did would have given up. They would have felt defeated or that the world was working against them. But, not him. He turned adversity around and made, for lack of better use of a term, lemonade out of lemons.

Grandpa Wood was a man who lived his life to the very fullest. He absorbed the abundance of life and appreciated the blessings that were presented to him. He cheated death on more than one occasion. Seriously, I don't know how someone could survive crashing a bomber in Germany during World War II, live a year in a P.O.W. camp, and come back to lead a successful existence with a beautiful family. But, this is why these men and women were known as "The Greatest Generation." They were able to overcome the worst possible obstacles, muster the courage to push on through, and hold their heads high, knowing that the best of their lives were yet to come.

So that's what he did. He proved that he was not only a survivor, but a force to be reckoned with... if the fates of life did dare. And when they did, he maintained that fight for life, for his lovely wife (of nearly 70 years) and his precious family. I am sure he did it for himself, but he also persevered for them. He set an example of how to lead a life of honor and strength and honest, hard work. In all the years I was fortunate enough to know him, I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone or raise his voice in anger. He never demonstrated a pretentious attitude, though he had achieved success that many never know. He was always ready to greet people with a genuine smile and an endearing demeanor. He was always just happy. I see this personality trait in Summit, and, if he's got at least a percent of his great-grandfather's character, he's well on his way to a full, amazing life.

Grandpa Wood always carried a gentle grin and a mischievous look in his eyes. He loved laughing. He loved playing golf, and beat the tar out of several competitors. He enjoyed watching Days of Our Lives with his wife... he always had something to say about that crazy Sami Brady. Sweet treats, beef jerkey, Scotch, and Tony Packos hotdogs were his favorite. He loved the rock quarry in Genoa and Cedar Point. He loved Ohio. He relished holidays and family gatherings. He adored his wife and children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

And he was adored right back. Truly. Wholeheartedly. A.D.O.R.E.D. I know it may seem that after 93 years on this earth, someone's passing may come a little easier, but it's just not that simple. Not for someone who was so absolutely incredible and loving and sweet and kind and so perfectly pleasant to be around. Not for someone who made such a special mark in the lives of so many people. And, all of those people will miss him for as long as they live.

Sweet dreams, Grandpa Wood. We love you. And thank you. If only there were more of you.